My Child Is Involved in Online Hate
You have discovered that your child is sharing, creating, or engaging with racist, extremist, or otherwise hateful content online — or alternatively, that your child has been targeted by a coordinated campaign of hate speech. Both situations require immediate, calm action.
Online hate involvement can mean very different things: a child thoughtlessly sharing a meme they do not fully understand, a child who has been drawn into an extremist online community, or a child who is the target of hate speech. Each requires a different response, but all require you to stay calm, gather information before reacting, and involve the right people.
What to do now
Understand the Full Picture
Before taking action, try to understand what your child's involvement actually is. Are they creating content, sharing content made by others, or being targeted? Have they been drawn into a community, or was this a one-off? Talk to your child without accusation to understand the context.
✗ Do not: Do not assume the worst immediately — some children share hateful content without understanding it is hateful. Others are victims. The response to each is quite different.
Preserve Evidence
Screenshot the content, the platform, any associated accounts or group names, and the dates. This applies whether your child is the poster or the target — evidence is needed for any report.
Have a Direct Conversation
If your child has been sharing hateful content: explain clearly why it is harmful, even if it was shared as a joke. If your child is a victim: reassure them that the hate is not a reflection of who they are, and that you will take action together.
Report to the Platform
Most platforms have hate speech reporting options. Report the content or the account. If the content involves calls to violence or organised extremism, also report to the police.
Seek External Support
If your child has been significantly exposed to or drawn into extremist ideology, contact your local safeguarding team or the NSPCC. If your child has been targeted with Islamophobic content, contact Tell MAMA. For other hate incidents, contact Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.
What not to do
- ✗Do not publicly shame your child for sharing content they may not have understood — this rarely produces the outcome you want.
- ✗Do not ignore it — even sharing content 'as a joke' normalises hate and can have real consequences for targeted groups.
- ✗Do not delay involving support services if you believe your child is being radicalised — early intervention is far more effective than late.
Preserving evidence
Why this matters
If you need to report to authorities or a platform, evidence can help.
- •Screenshot all relevant content, account names, group names, and platform URLs before reporting or blocking.
- •Keep a written record of dates, times, and platforms — particularly if your child is a victim of a sustained campaign.
How to talk to your child
- ✓If they shared content: 'Can you help me understand why you shared this? I want to understand, not punish you.' Then explain the harm clearly and specifically.
- ✓If they are a target: 'What has been happening is not okay and it is not about who you are. We are going to report this together and I will support you.'
Who to contact
Stop Hate UK
For support if your child has been targeted by hate speech or hate crime online
Monday–Friday, business hours
Tell MAMA
For reporting anti-Muslim hate incidents online or offline
Online reporting available 24/7
NSPCC Helpline
For advice if you are concerned your child is being radicalised or is at risk
24/7, 365 days a year
Police (101 or 999)
101 for reporting hate crimes; 999 if there is a threat to physical safety
24/7
This guidance is for informational purposes. It is not a substitute for emergency services or professional safeguarding support. If a child is in immediate danger, call 999 (UK) or 911 (US) now.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Resources
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Quick Reference — My Child Is Involved in Online Hate
My Child Is Involved in Online Hate — Quick Reference
Safe Child Guide — safechildguide.com
Do this:
- 1. Before taking action, try to understand what your child's involvement actually is. Are they creating content, sharing content made by others, or being targeted? Have they been drawn into a community, or was this a one-off? Talk to your child without accusation to understand the context.
- 2. Screenshot the content, the platform, any associated accounts or group names, and the dates. This applies whether your child is the poster or the target — evidence is needed for any report.
- 3. If your child has been sharing hateful content: explain clearly why it is harmful, even if it was shared as a joke. If your child is a victim: reassure them that the hate is not a reflection of who they are, and that you will take action together.
- 4. Most platforms have hate speech reporting options. Report the content or the account. If the content involves calls to violence or organised extremism, also report to the police.
- 5. If your child has been significantly exposed to or drawn into extremist ideology, contact your local safeguarding team or the NSPCC. If your child has been targeted with Islamophobic content, contact Tell MAMA. For other hate incidents, contact Stop Hate UK on 0800 138 1625.
Do NOT do this:
- ✗ Do not publicly shame your child for sharing content they may not have understood — this rarely produces the outcome you want.
- ✗ Do not ignore it — even sharing content 'as a joke' normalises hate and can have real consequences for targeted groups.
- ✗ Do not delay involving support services if you believe your child is being radicalised — early intervention is far more effective than late.
Stay calm. You are doing the right thing by looking for help. Your child needs your support, not your panic.
Last reviewed: 2026-04-01